Welding machine



Dec. 21, 1943. D. w. FENTRESS WELDING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet l Deg 21, ESS

WELDING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Dec. 21, 1943.

D. w; FENTRESS WELDING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 "i VINVENTOR.

' Dec. 21, 1943.

D. W. FENTRESS WELDING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Mafch 10, 1941 fectlng the methods thereof;

Patented Dec. 21, 1943 umrso STATES PATENT orrioe WELDING MACHINE David Wendell Fentress, Evnnston, IlL, asslgnor to Chicago Metal Hose Corporation, Maywood, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application March 10, 1941, Serial No. 382,493

20 Claims.

This invention relates to welding machines and methods.

It is an object of the invention to provide new and improved welding apparatus and methods, particularly adapted for the carrying out of precision welding operations.

It is a further object of the invention to provide improved welding apparatus and methods particularly adapted for the welding of tubing, tubing fittings, and like articles of manufacture.

A further and important object of the invention is to provide in welding apparatus or the like, improved means for bringing the welding electrode or electrodes into operative contact with the work at the welding station, and for maintaining such operative contact during the welding operation, which means quickly establishes and maintains a uniform and accurately controllable pressure contact-between the welding electrode and work while at the same time permitting the electrode to conform readily to irregularities in the surface of thework.

Still further objects of the invention are to provide in welding apparatus or the like, improved means for conducting the welding current to and from the electrode or electrodes, improved means for preventing the overheating "of electrodes at the welding station, and means for. accurately timing the initiation and interruption of the welding current flow in relation to the positioning of the welding electrodes with respect to the work.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawin s, wherein a preferred em bodiment of the invention is set forth for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general side elevation of a. welding machine constructed inaccordance with the principles of the invention and adapted for ef- Flg. 2 is a circuit diagram for the machine, illustrative in form; i

Pig. 3 is a front view of themachlne of F18. 1;

Fig. 4 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of the welding electrodes and associated parts;

Fig. 5 is a partial detail view, on a further enlarged scale, ofthe welding electrodes and work a.t the welding station, and'taken on the line H of Fig. 4;

I m, e is a detail' view, so... perticularlyillusfrom the lower welding electrode, and taken on the line 8-5 of Fig. 4.;

Fig. 'I is a, partial detail view more particularly illustrating the mounting for the upper welding electrode, and the operating mechanism therefor, on the line 1-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the structure of Fig. 7, taken on the line 8-8 thereof; and

Figs. 9 and 10 are detail views of the dressing or shaping means for the upper electrode wheel, Fig. 9 being taken on the line 9-4 of Fig. 7, and Fig. 10 being taken on the line Et -l2 of Fig. 9.

The machine or apparatus illustrated in the drawings is particularly adapted for effecting cir cular welding operations on tubing, tubing iitings, and like articles, and certain features of the invention are particularly applicable to work and apparatus of this character. It is to be understood, however, that other features of the invention are adapted for use with welding apparatus and machines generally.

Referring mcrepartlcularly to the drawings, and first to Fig. 3 thereof, it will be seenthat the machine or apparatus illustrated comprises a. main frame ill, a lower welding arbor or roller electrode H, and an upper roller electrode it, the electrodes being cooperable to grip the work and effect the welding operation at the welding statlon. More specifically, as best shown in Fig. 4,

the lower electrode II is in the form of a. roller structure, the shank ii of which is removably threaded into the shaft M rotatably carried by a machine subframe Ila, electrically insulated from the main machine frame ll. A look nut II is employed for locking the electrode shank in position. It will be seen that by loosening the nut II and unthreading the electrode shank, electrodes of various slzesand type may be associated with the shaft II in accordance with the particular welding operations or work to be performed.

The electrode support shaft I4 is rotatably carried on theisubframe Ila by I, plurality of bearing block pedestals u, n and II, m. a, suptretingthem norof eonductingthe current ported upon the subframe, the shaft being driven by a gear I! fixed to the end thereof. An elect'rlc motor drive is provided for the gear Ii,

which drive more specifically comprises an electrio motor 2|, a fiexible beltdrlve, and a clutch 2|. The clutch, when engaged, is adopted to rotate a shaft If which, by means of bevel gene 2:, drives a shaft 24 on which a worm ll is fixed. worm 2! drives a gear 20 fixed to a shaft 21, which shaft also carries a gear II in driving enmoment withthe gear Ll. By means of the described driving connections, it will be seen that the motor 20 is adapted to drive the shaft l4 and its associated electrode, at relatively reduced speed. the particular driving speed being predetermined by the size of the gears 28 and I9. These gears, which are made readily removable and replaceable by gears having other preselected gear ratios, thus provide a change speed gearing arrangement for predetermining the speed at which the welding arbor II will be driven; in accordance with the frequency of welding impulses and character of the work.

The means for conducting the electric current to the lower welding arbor will be best understood by reference to Figs. 4 and 6. In accordance with the structure shown, the support pedestal H, which is grounded to the machine subframe, is provided with a central chamber or cavity 30 in which a collar 3i secured to the shaft i4 is loosely rotatable. More specifically, .the

collar 8!, which is fixed to and rotates with the shaft I4 is held in proper position within the chamber 30, and out of inadvertent contact against the walls thereof, by reason of its hearing engagement against a pair of bearing rings 32 and 33, which rings arein turn positioned by adjustable collars 34 and 35 having screw thread-" ed engagement with the support pedestal. The] bearing rings Hand 33 are preferably of felt or the like. By adjustment of the collars 34 and 3d, the rotatable collar 3| is maintained in proper position within the pedestal chamber, as shown.

' The chamberv 3B is adapted to be partially filled with a bath of mercury or the like, as indicated at 36, the mercury being introduced and replenished from time to time as may be required by means of a fill cap 31 and associated channel 38 extending through the pedestal. Sumcient mercury is introduced into the chamber so that the lower portion of the rotatable collar 3i is constantly immersed within the liquid mercury bath.

By this means it will be seen that the electric current may be conducted from the welding electrode I i to the subframe Illa of the machine with-,-

-out being passed through rotatable hearings or the like. More particularly, the current passes from the'electrode through shaft l4 and collar 3|,and thence by means of the mercury bath into the support pedestal l1 and the subframe' Illa.

The necessity for the passage of the current through relatively slidable metal bearing surfaces is thus avoided, precluding current arcing and resultant scoring or pitting of such bearing surfaces. To preclude the passage of current from the shaft M to the subframe, except through the mercury bath and pedestal ll, insulation bearing sleeves of suitable insulating material, such as indicated at I621, Fig. 4, are provided for insulating the shaft from pedestals I6 and i8.

Also, the gear i9 is preferably insulated from the shaft by, a similar support sleeve.-

- The subframe Illa is supported by and electrically connected to a support plate lflb, Figs. 1

and 3, supported on but insulated from the main machine frame It, the support plate being suitably connected to one branch of the weldins transformer.

so tion as indicated at 53.

The electric circuit for the electrodes is diagrammaticallyshown in Fig. 2.

in the lower electrode communicating with a channel 4| centrally disposed within the electrode shank and the shaft It. Coolant fluid is supplied to channel 4| by means of a flexible i4 rotates.

13 The support means for positioning and controlling the shifting of the upper roller electrode i2 is best shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 7, and comprises a main head or frame structure 45 shiftable to bring the electrode roller into general proximity to the work, and an auxiliary head or frame structure 46 pivotally mounted on the head 45 and adapted to bring the electrode into final work contacting position. Th auxiliary head frame is electrically insulated from the main head frame and the rest of the machine,

and is connected to the other branch of the welding transformer, as will be later described.

.More specifically, the head db is pivoted to the machine frame ill by meansof a pivot connection M1, and is Provided with a rearwardly er:-

tending operating lever or frame 68 formed as a part of and rigidly connected to the main head frame. It will be seen that as the operating lever 58 is raised or lowered, the main head frame 45 will be pivoted around the axis 41,

thereby bringing the upper electrode roller toward or away from the work.

The means for operating the lever 48 comprises a vertically extending "shaft or link as pivotally connected to the lever 48, a indicated at 50,

and a foot lever 58 pivotally mounted on the frame of the machine as indicated at 52 and pivotally connected at its rear end to'the lower end of the link 49 by means of a pivot connec- The forward end of the foot lever is formed with a treadle portion $8 adapted to be depressed by the machine operator with his foot whereby to pivot the foot.

lever 58 counterclockwise resulting in the corresponding counterclockwise shifting of the head frame 85 to bring the electrode roller toward the work. If desired, a latch device, as indicated at E55, Figs. 1 and 3, may be provided for holding the foot treadle depressed, the latch device being spring-urged into latching-position by means of I a spring 65, and releasable by foot engagement to permit the return or upward shifting of the foot treadle as may be desired at the completion of the welding operation. A main counterbalancing compression-spring 51 is provided in association with the link 49 for normally urging the foot lever 61 clockwise and the foot treadle into raisedposition. Spring 51 bears. at its upperend. against a frame abutment 58 and is 60 connected at its lower end to the link N by means wardly extending bifurcated support member 6| upon which the auxiliary head frame 46 is pivotallymounted as indicated at 62., The support member 6|v is carried by the main head frame by compound adiustment means providing for ye its vertical and lateral adjustment. More specifically, the main head frame carries a vertical slide assembly 83 vertically adjustable with respect to the head frame by means of an adiustment screw 84 and-an associated handle II.

7. which adjustment screw has screw threaded en- [threaded engagement with a nut member 6 I means ofa lock nut or the like ll.

- 2,887,037 gagement with a nut portlon Ila forming a part of the vertical slide assembly. The support member' Cl is carried by the assembly I for lateral adjustment thereon, and to this end the slide assembly 83 is provided with an-adiustment screw 3- operable by a handle 81, which screw has la forming a part of the support member II. It will be .seen that by manipulation of handle 65, the slide lit and the support member 6| carried thereby may be vertically adjusted, whereas by manipulation of handle 61, the support member 6| may be laterally moved with respect to the slide assembly 83 into the desired and proper position.

In accordance'wlth the principles of the invention, the auxiliary frame or head 46, which directly carries the'upper roller electrode I2, is of relatively light construction and hence of low inertia characteristics so that it may be readily as well as quickly pivoted on its support pivot 52. In general it comprises an inclined bracket 68 upon which the support pedestal it for the electrode roller is mounted, and an associated vertically disposed front plate 10. The pivotal movements of the auxiliary head frame about the pivot 82 are controlled by an expansion bellows or power unit ll adapted to be actuated by air pressure, an abutment stop 12 and a control spring I3, as best. shown in Fig. '7. The spring I3, which is a tension spring, is anchored at one end to the support member II and at its other end to the plate 10 forming a part of the auxiliary head frame, the connection between the spring and the plate Iii being adjustable under the control of a wing nut ll whereby the tension of the spring may be adjusted. The abutment stop device 12 is adjustably carried by the plate ill by reason of its threaded engagement therewith, and

is adapted to be held in adjusted position by The stop device is provided with an abutment end 18 adapted to engage the support member I and limit the pivotal movement of theauxiliary head frame in a clockwise direction. The expansion bellows or power device ii is carried at one end upon the support member ll by means of a threaded nipple or the like 11 and at its other end upon the plate III by means of a threaded stud II and associated lock nut 10. The nipple TI is provided 1 with an air passage to in communication with the interior of the bellows and through which air may be introduced to and ejected from the bellows construction.

It-will be seen that in operation, as air or other I power fluid is introduced into the bellows, ex-

panding the same, the auxiliary head frame will be pivoted counterclockwise as seen in Fig, 7 against the action of the spring 13, whereas when the operatingfluid is permitted to escape from the bellows, the spring effects the clockwise return of the auxiliary head frame until stopped by the abutment device 12. Thawelding electrode I2 is thus brought into engagement with the work by the introuction of the power fluid intothe bellows power device, and automatically disengaged from the work as the fluid is permitted to escape. -,.Normally the moment of the electrode with the work limits the counterclockwise movement of the auxiliary head frame, but to prevent the undue motion of the head frame in a counterclockwise direction, for example if the bellows is expanded when the lower electrode roller has been removed, a motion limiting means ll isprovided securedtnthesupportll and hav-.

ing an adjustable stop nut 82 units end which is adapted to abut and limit the counterclockwise movement of the head frame'beyonda predetermined distance. 1

The means for controlling the delivery of the air or other power fluid to and from the bellows or power device II is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 3, '1 and 8, and also diagrammatically in Fig. 2. It will be seen that the channel .0 of nipple I1 is in fluid communication with a channel 85 formed in the support member 6|, which latter channel is in turn in fluid communication with a conduit 86 having branch connection with supply and exhaust pipe lines 81 and 88. Supply pipe line 81 communicates with a source of fluid pressure supply 89 by means of a pipe 90 and a control valve 8|, whereas exhaust pipe 68 communicates with a pipe line 92 exhausting to atmosphere, through an exhaust control valve 93.

Valves 8! and 83 are controlled from a common bell crank valve operating lever N, Fig. 1, pivoted to the frame of the machine as indicated at and provided with a forwardly extending foot treadle portion 98. A- compression spring I] normally urges the bell crank lever 84 clockwise, holding the exhaust valve 83 open and the pressure control valve 8| closed. To effect a welding operation the operator depresses the treadle it which effects the movement of the bell crank lever in a counterclockwisedirection, closing the exhaust valve 93 and opening the inlet pressure valve 9| whereby to introduce fluid pressure into As previously indicated, the auxiliary head frame is electrically insulated from the rest of the machine, and to this end suitable insulation means are associated with the pivot 62, the bellows H, and the control devices 12, I3 and ll so as to prevent the transmission of current from the auxiliary head frame to the main head frame The manner of mounting the upper electrode roller [2 upon its support pedestal I9 is shown in Fig. 4. As shown, the electrode support shaft or axle Hill is journaled by roller bearings ill operable within a non-ferrous bearing race member I02 mounted by means of an insulation sleeve I03 within the support pedestal 59. Lock nuts I and Hill threadedly securedto the end of the shaft Illlprovide means for permitting the substitution and replacement of the electrode roller.

To facilitate the transmission of the welding current from the auxiliary head frame and the pedestal 69 to the electrode roller, the end of shaft Hill is provided with a flange portion I06, the lower portion of which is adapted to be continuously immersed within a bath of liquid mercury as indicated at it", similar in purpose and function to the liquid mercury bath 36 previously described in connection with the lower electrode roller. The insulation sleeve I03 prevents the transmission of current to the electrode roller except through the mercury bath. The mercury bath may be replenished from time to time, as

- tubing or bellows ill, the cylindrical end portion electrode roller it .into engagement with the work, so asto insure that the work will always a be engaged before the welding current is applied,

and that the welding current will be cut of! before the work is disengaged. To this end, referring further to Fig. 2, a switch, as indicated at III, is arranged in the supply line Ill leading from the welding transformer, which switch is controlled by a bellows device Ill connected to the pressure fluid supply line 86. A dash pot deing its movement in switch closing direction, and a tension spring I20 normally tends to move the switch to open position. It will be seen that as fluid pressure is introduced into the pipe line 80 to operate bellows H and move electrode roller l2 into-work engaging position, fluid pressure is simultaneously introduced into the bellows H8 to close the switch Hl. However, the dash pot lll'sufllciently delays the closing-of the switch so as to insure that the work will be engaged before the welding current is applied. When the fluid pressure is exhausted from the pipe line 8 at the completion of the welding operation. the

switch will be opened by its spring I20, and in this instance the switch movement is suiilciently quick acting so as to insure thev breaking of the current supply before the electrode roller is disengaged from the work. Arcing between the work and electrodes is thereby precluded.

In Figs. 9 and 10 an arrangement is illustrated for maintaining the electrode roller l2 of proper proflle or cross section. To this end a scraper support I2! is mounted on the pedestal 89 by means such as screws Ill. The s pp rt 128 is provided with a cylindrical bore at its upper portion within which a piston member III is loosely fitted. This piston member carries a profiling .scraper plate III which is mounted thereon by pressure against the periphery of the roller electrode i2, thereby maintaining the electrode periphery of proper cross section and contour. The substitution of scraper-plates of a desiredsize and character may-be effected by removal of'the screw III. l

Referring to the operation of theapparatus, the particularwork being, welded, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, comprises a piece of corrugated of which is to be'weldedto a cap member iii.

after starting motor and arranging the work between the welding. electrodes. depresses foot treadlell wherebyto move the main head frame ll bringth'e welding electrode it; into general proximity with the work. Jlhe foot treadle becomes automatically latched in position. e

i operator then depresses the foot t'readle ll I-DD 4 ing.preesure fluid/to the bellows devices It 1| 1.,Welding apparatus comprising-an assaos'r ill, thereby automatically moving the auxiliary head frame 46 relative to the main head frame to bring the electrode i2 into work contact. and

, vice I I8 is also connected to the switch for delaythereafter closing the welding current circuit. As shown in Fig. 2, an electromagnet ill is arranged in the welding circuit adapted to control the driving clutch 2|, so that as the circuit is energized the clutch is simultaneously engflged to rotate shaft I4 and drive the work and electrodes.

Due to the low inertia characteristics of the auxiliary head frame. which is of relatively light construction, not only is the electrode roller I! quickly and readily moved into and from work contacting positions, but during the welding operation as irregularities on the work surface may be encountered, the auxiliary head frame may readily shift to accommodate such irregularities. The bellows operating device Ii, while providing a reliable operating mechanism for moving the auxiliary head frame. does not impart any substantial mass or inertia thereto so as to interfere with the action described.

The fluid pressure "operated power device ll also insures a controlled and maintained pressure engagement between the work and the electrodes, at any predetermined pressure which may be frequired. That is, by controllingthe air pressure through anysuitable pressure regulating means such as an adiustable pressure reducing valve as diagrammatically indicated at ill, the desired predetermined operating pressure of the bellows device ll may be accurately controlled. It will be noted that this same desired or preset pressure engagement with the work will be constantly maintained even though the auxiliary head frame shifts somewhat due to work irregularities. In other words, the desired work engagin pressure .is maintained constant notwithstanding varia-f' tions in the positioning 1' the electrode roller i2,

and to this end it will be noted that the point of engagement between the electrode roller and the work is'substantially horizontally disposed with 1 lows ll may be observed. By this means pressure conditions within the fluid supply line may be accurately controlled and duplicatedas may be required. ,Thatis, work piecesrequiring identical work engagement pressures may be subjected to such identical pressures even though the weldiii ing operations are done at widely separated times. At the completion of the welding operation. as the foot treadle IQ is released, theweldjing current circuit is automatically broken before the work is diseng sed by shifting of the auxiliary head frame, precluding sparking at the electrodes.

sparking or pitting of the bearing contact surfaces is precluded by the mercury reservoir conmeans 8! and I01. The maintenance of the i To eflectthe welding operation. the operator,

welding electrodes at the proper temperature is insured by the cooling ducts it, and the scraper device. insures the maintenance of the electrode roller ilin'the proper shape and contour.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiment of the inventions! set forth for'purposes of illustration without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. Accordin llr. the invention is not to "be limited to the specific embodiment shown. and. described, but

' only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention isherebyclaimed as follows welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement" with the work piece whereby to effect the weldlng operation, means including a fluid pressure operated-expansible bellows members for maintaining the electrode and work relatively in contact during the welding operation, a spring opposing the action of the bellows, and a stop member for limiting the movement of the spring.

2. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an electrode. member engageable with a workpiece to be welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for bringing the electrode and work relatively into contact and for maintaining such contact during the welding operation, said support means comprising a main head frame shiftably mounted on the base, an, auxiliary head frame mounted on the main head frame and shiftable with respect thereto, and operating mechanism forshiftingthe auxiliary head frame relative to the main head frame-to bring the electrode and work into operative contact.

3. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an

electrode member engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for bringing the electrode and work relatively into contact and for maintaining such contact during the weld- ,ing operation, said support means comprising a main head frame shiftably mounted on the base, and an auxiliary head frame of relatively light weight pivotally mounted on the main headframe and shlftable to bring the electrode member and work piece relatively into contact.

4. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an

electrode member engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement with the work piece-whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for bringing the electrode and work relatively into contact and for maintaining such contact during the welding operation, said support means comprising a main head frame shiftably mounted on the base to bring the electrode and work relatively toward each other, an auxiliary head frame carried by the main head frame and shiftable with respect thereto to bring the electrode and work relatively into contact, and fluid pressure operated means for shifting the auxiliary head frame.

5. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an electrode member engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement with thework piece whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for moving the electrode and work relatively into contact and for maintaining such contact during the welding operation, said support means comprisinga main head frame shiftably mounted on the base to bring the electrode and work relatively toward each other, a light weight auxiliary head frame pivotally carried by the main head frame and shiitable with respect theretoto bring the electrode and work relatively into contact, and fluid pressure operated means for shifting the auxiliary head frame.

6. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an electrode member engageable with a work piece to welded, means for passing welding current through the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to effect the welding operation, said support means comprising a main head frame, means for shifting the main head frame relative to the base to bring the electrode and work relatively toward each other, a support member carried by th main head frame, means for adjustably positioning the support member on the main head frame, an auxiliary head frame shiftably carried by the support member, and means for shifting the auxiliary head frame to bring the electrode and work relatively into contacting relation.

7. Welding apparatus comprising an electrod member engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for energizing the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to effect the welding operation, means for holding the electrode and work relatively in contact during thewelding operation, means for shifting the electrode and work relative to each other while in contact and during the welding operation, and control means interconnecting the energizing means, the shifting means and the holding means whereby the energizing means i operative only while the shifting means and the holding means are operative, said control means including means for effecting 'the operation of the energizin means and the holding means in predetermined timed sequence.

8. Welding apparatus comprising a mainframe structure, an auxiliary frame of relatively light weight pivotally mounted on the main frame structure for pivotal shifting thereon through a predetermined arc of travel, an electrode member carried by the auxiliary frame engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for moving the electrode and work relatively into contact, said meanscomprlsing a fluid operated actuator having one portion thereof connected to the main frame and another portion thereof connected to the auxiliary frame whereby upon operation of said actuator the auxiliary frame is pivotally .while in engagement with the work piec whereby to effect the welding operation, and a common fluid supply means for operating said fluid actuators in predetermined timed relation.

9. Welding apparatus comprising a base, an electrode member engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for energizing the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for moving the electrode and work relatively into contact and for maintaining them in contact during the welding operation, said support means comprising a main head frame shiftably mounted on the base to bring the electrode and work relatively toward each other, and an auxiliary head frame carried by the main head to be welded, means for energizing the electrode while in engagement with the workpiece whereby to effect the welding operation, and support means for moving the electrode and work rela-' tively into contact and for maintaining them in contact during the welding operation, said support means comprising a main head frame shiftably mounted on the base to bring the electrode and work relatively toward each other, and an auxiliary head frame carried by the main head frame and shiftable thereon to bring the elecupon the release of fluid pressure from the bel trode and work relatively into contact, means for shifting the auxiliary head frame, and fluid pressure operated means for operating the electrode energizing means and the auxiliary head frame shifting means. I

11. Welding apparatus comprising a work support for supporting a work piece,-a roller electrode, a pivotally mounted main head frame for supporting the roller electrode, means for moving the main head frame to bring the electrode toward the work piece, an auxiliary head framev pivotally mounted on the main head frame upon which the roller electrode is directly mounted, and means including an air operated bellows; for shifting the auxiliary head frame relative to the main head frame to bring the roller electrode into contact with the work.

12. Welding apparatus comprising a work support for-supporting a work piece, a roller electrode, a pivotally mounted main head frame for supporting the roller electrode, means for mov-' ing the main head frame to bring the electrode toward the work piece, an auxiliary head frame pivotally mounted on the main head frame uponwork support for supporting a work piece, a roller electrode, a shiftably mounted main head frame carried by the base for supporting the roller.

electrode, means for moving the main head frame to bring the electrode toward the work piece, an

lows to efl'ect the relative separation of the electrode and work.

e 16. Welding apparatus comprising a pair of roller electrodes cooperative to grip a work piece to b welded therebetween, means for energizing the electrodes while in engagement with the work piece to effect the welding operation, means for holding the electrodes in contact with the work during the welding operation, means for rotating the electrodes, and means interconnecting the energizing means, the holding means and the rotatingmeans whereby the energizing means is operative only while the rotating means and I the holding means are operative.

17. Welding apparatus comprising a main frame structure, a support adiustably mounted on the main frame, an auxiliary frame of relatively light weight plvotally mounted on the support for pivotal shifting thereon through a predetermined arc of travel, an electrode member carried by the auxiliary frame engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for moving the electrode and work relatively into contact, said means comprising a fluid'operated actuator having one portion thereof connected to the support and another portion thereof connected to the auxiliary frame whereby upon operation of said actuator the auxiliary frame is pivotally shifted to bring the electrode and work relatively into contact, and means comprising a spring opposing the action of the fluid operated auxiliary head frame shiftably mounted on the main head frame upon which the roller electrode is' directly mounted, and means including an air operated bellows for shifting the auxiliary head frame relative to the main head frame to bring the roller electrode into contact with the work, said control means including means for eflecting the operation of the energizing means and the holding means in predetermined timed sequence.

15. Welding apparatus comprising an electrode .the work.

actuator and operative upon the release of fluid pressure therefrom to effect the shifting of the auxiliary frame 18. Welding apparatus comprising a main frame structure, an auxiliary frame of relatively light weight pivotally mounted on the main frame structure for pivotal shifting thereon through a predetermined arc of travel, 'a roller electrode carried by the auxiliary frame engageable with a work piece to be welded, means for moving the electrode and work relatively into contact, said means comprising an air-operated bellows structure having one portion thereof connected to the main frame and another portion thereof connected to the auxiliary frame whereby upon operation of said bellows structure the auxiliary frame is pivotally shifted to bring the electrode and work relatively into contact, and

means comprising a spring opposing the action of the bellows and operative upon the release of air pressure therefrom to shift the auxiliary frame to eifect a separation of the electrode and the work.

19. Welding apparatus comprising a main frame structure, an auxiliary frame of relatively light weight pivotally mounted on the main frame structure for pivotal shifting thereon through a predetermined arc of travel, a shiftable' roller electrode carried by the auxiliary frame encase member engageable with a work piece to.'be

welded, meansfor passing welding current.

through the electrode while in engagement with the work piece whereby to eifectthe welding operation, means including a fluidpressure-operaied. expansible bellows member for moving the electrode and work relatively into an operative contacting position, adjustable stop means for limiting the movement of the bellows member immediately beyond said position in the event a work piece is notpresent' as the bellows member is operated, and means comprising a spring op-. posing the action of the bellows and op'erative able with a work piece to be welded on one side thereof,'a stationary roller electrode engageable with the work piece. on the other side thereof.- means for moving the auxiliary frame to brinsl the electrodes into gripping relation with the 1 work piece, said means comprising an actuator having one portion thereof connected to the main frame and another portion thereof connected to the auxiliary frame, means for controlling the operation of said actuator, and-screw threaded means for eflecting micrometer adjustments of 'the auxiliaryframe in a" direction parallel with axis'of the fixed electrode whereby to'eflect to separate the electrode andthe adjustment of the shiftable electrode with respect thereto.

20. Welding apparatus comprising a main frame structure, an auxiliary frame of relatively light weight pivotaliy mounted on the main frame structure for pivotal shifting thereon through a predetermined arc of travel, a shiftable roller electrode carried by the auxiliary frame engageable with a work piece to be welded on one side thereof, a stationary roller electrode engageabie with the work piece on the other side thereof, means for moving the auxiliary frame to bring the electrodes into tripping relation with the work piece. said means comprising an actuator having one portion thereof connected to the main frame and another portion thereof connected to the auxiliary frame, means for controlling the operation of said actuator, and screw threaded means for effecting micrometer adjustments of the auxiliary frame in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the fixed electrode whereby to effect the adjustment of the shiftabie electrode with respect thereto.

I DAVID WENDEIL FEN'I'RESS;

v CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2, 57,057. December 21, 191

DAVID wENDELL FENI'RESS.

:It is hereby certifiedthat error appears in'the printed specification of the above nunbered patent requiring correcti on as follows: Page 5, first column, line 6, for "inembers' read -me mber page ,6, first column, line 58, after "work" strike out the comma and insert instead a period; lines 59 to 61 inclusive, strike out the words and period "said .control means including means for effecting the operation of the-energizing means and the holding means in predetermined timed sequence and se cond column, line 11, before "means" insert --control--; line 15, after "operative" and before the period insert the coma and words said control means includingmeans for effecting the operation of the energizing means and the holding means in predetermined timed sequence--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 11th day of April, A. D. 191m.

Leslie Frazer I Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,557,057. December 21, 1915.

DAVID WENDELL FENTRESS.

:It is hereby'certifiedthat error appears in'the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring do rrecti on as follows: Page 5, first column, line for "inembere' read -member page .6, first column, line 58, a te "work" strike out the comma and'insert instead a period; lines 59 to 61 inclusive, strike out the words and period "said control means including means for effeeting the operation oi the-energizing means and the holding means in predetermined timed sequence. and sezcond column, line 11, before "means" insert -control--; line 15; after "operative" and before the period insert the comma and words said control means includingmearis for effecting the operation of the energizing means and the holding me axis in predetermined timed sequence--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may eonform to the record of the case in the Patent Offiee.

Signed and sealed this 11th day of April, A. D. m9hh.

. Leslie Frazer ($631) I Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

